Festive Things to do in Bristol this Christmas

Christmas in Bristol, otherwise known as Bristmas, is a festive-fuelled schedule of Christmas markets, festive eats, outdoor cinema, festive activities and more. Here’s your complete guide to festive things to do in Bristol this Christmas, diaries at the ready…

Disclaimer: This guide follows the Visit Bristol #MerryBristmas campaign, where I was kindly gifted passes to the city’s festive events and activities. Since The Millennial Runaway is aimed at pretend adults (millennials), the events and activities featured in this guide are suggested with adults in mind. For child friendly activities, please see more at Visit Bristol.

Floating Harbour Historical Walk with M Shed

Join expert guides as they take you on a trip into Bristol’s old docklands, pointing out its maritime heritage and supplementing the tour with a wealth of fascinating photographs and maps.

Bristol Insight Twilight and Illuminations Tours

Sit back and relax as they show you the delights of this wonderful city as dark approaches. See the twinkiling lights of the historic harbourside, the majestic beauty of Clifton Suspension Bridge in all her illuminated splendour, see the Christmas lights of Cabot Circus and the German Market…. and much much more. Includes chocolate, mince pies and FREE travel the next day on our tour of Bristol

Christmas Events at SS Great Britain

One of Bristol’s most iconic landmark has become an unlikely destination for Christmas festivities.

Christmas Party Night
Looking for a shared night with a difference? Hop on board the SS Great Britain this Christmas and celebrate in first class style. With an arrival drink on the Promenade Deck followed by a delicious two-course buffet in the First Class Dining Saloon, you can dance the night away in merryment! The festive evening includes: Arrival drink on the Promenade Deck from 7.30pm, Two course buffet served within the opulent First Class Dining Saloon, Filter coffee and herbal infusions and Music and entertainment until 12.30am.When: Wednesday 5th DecemberOpening times: 19:30 – 00:30Price: £50Click here for more information

Christmas Lunch
Experience luxury with a traditional three course lunch in the First Class Dining Saloon, enjoy tales of the history of Brunel’s SS Great Britain, then explore the Ship and Dry Dock. Includes: 3 Course Lunch served within the opulent First Class Dining Saloon served at 1.15pm, Filter coffee and herbal infusions and a tour of the Ship and dry dock.When: Friday7th DecemberOpening times: 13:00 – 15:00Price: £38.50Click here for more information

Christmas Captain’s Dinner
Take a journey of Victorian opulence with a three course fine dining experience followed by a tour of the historic ship. Brunel himself will entertain you with tales of the ship’s rich and colourful history. Evening includes: Dinner served within the opulant First Class Dining Saloon, half a bottle of house red or house white wine per person, Tea and Coffee and Victorian themed entertainment.When: Thursday 20th DecemberOpening times: 19:30 – 00:00Price: £68Click here for more information

Christmas Star Party on the Downs with Bristol Zoo

Wrap up warm for a seasonal night of stargazing with the Bristol Astronomical Society and Explorer Dome. Be amazed as you look at the Orion Nebula through a telescope. Learn how to spot the main winter constellations and enjoy hearing the stories written in the stars with a unique festive twist. Run in conjunction with the Friends of the Downs and Avon Gorge.

When: 11, 12 & 13 December (You need to be free for all three evenings as the weather may be unsuitable on the 11th or 12th)Where: On the DownsOpening times: 19:00 – 21:00Click here for more information

Carols by Candlelight at Bristol Cathedral

The concert includes carols sung by the Cathedral Choir, festive readings read by John Telfer, from BBC Radio 4’s The Archers, and a chance for everyone to join in with some seasonal favourites! A choir has been singing on the site of the Cathedral since the Augustinian monastery was founded in 1140.

A Very Victorian Christmas at Tyntesfield

Tyntesfield are turning the clock back over a hundred years for a very Victorian Christmas. Featuring Christmas concerts, traditional decorations and more.

Tyntesfield house at nightAway from the hustle and bustle of the festive season, Tyntesfield house will open in the evenings on select dates in December.
When: 12th, 14th & 15th December
Opening times: Various
Price: £12Click here for more information

A Christmas MysteryOn this immersive, walking-theatre experience of the ground floor of the house, you’ll discover stories of Christmases past along with lashings of mystery, fun, games and music.
When: 19th, 21st and 22nd December
Opening times: Various
Price: £12Click here for more information

Sky View Bristol

Take a sky voyage inside an enclosed gondola over Bristol’s historic harbourside on the 40 metre high observation wheel.When: now until 6th JanuaryWhere: Millennium SquareOpening times: VariousClick here for more information

The Mall’s Winter Wonderland!

This fantastic festive experience encompasses the South West’s largest outdoor ice rink, vintage fairground rides and festive foodie treats. Feel the crisp winter wind on your face as you swirl around 1,000 sq. metre the rink, right in the heart of our Winter Wonderland. Skating sessions last 45 minutes and start on the hour.

We The Curious ice rink

The real 450m² ice rink returns to Millennium Square this year providing ample space for up to 150 skaters per session! And from Monday to Saturday sessions at at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm, it becomes winter’s coolest dance floor! Dust off your disco moves, and prepare to dance at the Disco Boots Night Skating.

Christmas Afternoon Cruise

Join Bristol Packet Boat trips for a 90 minute Christmas afternoon cruise. For just £16 a head, relax on board with a Mince Pie with brandy butter or Chocolate Brownie with clotted cream, Tea or Coffee and discover the fascinating history and contemporary culture of Bristol’s Floating Harbour. (Min 25 passengers.)

Soundtracks on Ice at Old Down Estate

Did you love Mamma Mia and/or The Greatest Showman? Old Down Estate are offering a unique ice skating session which purely features the Mamma Mia and The Greatest Showman soundtracks. The 45min sessions are followed by afternoon tea in the cosy Apres Skate Barn where you are welcome to stay as long as you like. Why not treat yourself to bottomless prosecco for an extra £10pp?